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Following the news that West Bromwich Albion have parted ways with manager Steve Bruce, reliable journalist Scott Wilson has namechecked former Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder as a potential successor to the 61-year-old.

The Lowdown: Bruce’s West Brom tenure

After a disappointing eight-month tenure with the Baggies, the former Newcastle United manager was relieved of his duties following an eight-match winless run which left them sitting inside the relegation zone. Backroom staff Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and the manager’s son Alex Bruce have also left The Hawthorns.

Having been in charge of 32 games spanning across two seasons, Bruce’s West Brom side averaged just 1.13 points per match, with the club falling from sixth to tenth in the Championship table between the day of his appointment and the end of the campaign.

Under-21s coach Richard Beale has been appointed interim boss and will be assisted by James Morrison and Gary Walsh for next Saturday’s Championship clash against Reading.

The Latest: Wilson names possible successor

Wilson has now weighed in on the 61-year-old’s sacking, name-checking one potential successor whilst doing so.

Taking to Twitter, The Northern Echo journalist claimed: “Hardly a surprise to see former #NUFC and #SAFC boss Steve Bruce lose his job at West Brom – and wouldn’t be a shock to see ex-#Boro manager Chris Wilder replace him at the Hawthorns either…”

The Verdict: Good candidate?

After 11 months in charge at Middlesbrough, Wilder was relieved of his duties as manager last week, having won just two of their first 11 league matches this term. However, despite Boro getting off to a disappointing start in the Championship, the 55-year-old has a strong pedigree of promotion in recent years.

Prior to replacing Neil Warnock at the Riverside Stadium, Wilder became manager of Sheffield United in May 2016 and led the Blades to the Premier League in his third season in charge after overseeing two promotions.

Former England manager Steve McClaren hailed that achievement as ‘phenomenal’, and the Yorkshire club finished an impressive ninth in their first campaign back in the top flight in 2019/20.

Having subsequently taken over at ‘Boro in November last year, the former Northampton boss led the Teeside outfit to a seventh-place finish in the Championship.

Therefore, whilst results over the last few months haven’t gone his way, Wilder’s achievements suggest that he could revive West Brom’s fortunes if reports of him being an early favourite for the job at The Hawthorns turn into an eventual appointment as Bruce’s successor.

Leeds United have been “really impressed” with summer signing Sonny Perkins, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

The Lowdown: Perkins on fire

Perkins arrived from West Ham over the summer and has begun the current campaign in fine form for both the Whites and England.

The 18-year-old has netted six goals in five games for the U21s and impressed for England U19s, scoring five times and providing an assist in games against Montenegro U19, Georgia U19 and Denmark U19.

He’s mainly been featuring on the right-hand side at Thorp Arch but started in an attacking midfield role last time out, playing a key role in the club’s impressive start to the Premier League 2 season.

The Latest: Thornton’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Thornton said that he knows that Leeds officials have been ‘really, really pleased’ with the young forward for the way he’s ‘adapted’ following his summer move.

“Yeah, Perkins in particular, he’s hit the ground running since he came in.

“Leeds have been really impressed with him; he looks like he’s a real talent. So, I know that they’re really, really pleased with the way that he’s adapted. He’s really caught the eye and done well.”

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The Verdict: Good to hear

Perkins and midfielder Darko Gyabi were the two high-profile academy additions over the summer, with the latter captaining England U19 against Denmark U19.

The pair seem to have settled in Yorkshire, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Perkins made one of Jesse Marsch’s first-team matchday squads following his impressive displays.

Perkins would have surely been catching Marsch’s eye in recent weeks, so it would be deserved if he did make a squad prior to the World Cup in Qatar.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Andreas Skov Olsen…

What’s the word?

According to Danish sports magazine Tipsbladet, the north London outfit are closely monitoring the Club Brugge star and have even sent scouts to watch his progress.

It’s thought that the Denmark sensation ‘dreams’ of a move to the Premier League, where teams may need to pay attention after his display in their 2-0 win over France this international break.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen exactly how much Skov Olsen would command, particularly as he only joined the Belgian giants in a £6.3m deal from Bologna back in January.

Bye-bye Moura

The 22-year-old gem is primarily a right-midfielder or winger, so you’d imagine that any potential move for him spells trouble for Lucas Moura, who has only featured in 12 minutes of action this season.

Skov Olsen, however, has been in fine form, having provided Brugge with six goals and three assists from just 12 outings across the Jupiler Pro League, Champions League and Belgian Super Cup.

Earlier this month, Football Insider revealed that Moura, who was once described as a “nightmare” to train against by teammate Eric Dier, is keen to explore his options when his contract expires at the end of the season after the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa registered interest in the summer.

Well, manager Antonio Conte could finally ditch the long-serving Brazilian by signing Skov Olsen in January as he’d represent a better long-term option on the right flank.

The young dynamo was part of the Denmark side to reach the semi-finals at Euro 2020 and has been described as “a real creative force” and “a crowd-pleaser” by legendary midfielder Brian Laudrup to the Daily Mail (via The Sun).

Moura, who cost Spurs around £23m from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, is surely facing an unlikely future at Hotspur Way, given his age and poor form since that night in Amsterdam.

Instead, Conte could benefit from Skov Olsen’s exploits as the versatile wide man has proven to be a solid playmaking option, averaging 0.26 assists and 3.00 touches in the opposition’s box per 90, which sees him rank amongst the top 6% and 10% of his positional peers respectively, via FBref.

So, if the opportunity arises in any upcoming transfer window, then sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to make the Danish star one of his next signings at the club.

On the above evidence, he’d be a mighty fine replacement for the ageing Brazilian.

AND in other news, Levy masterclass: Spurs ransacked £16m for “inconsistent” flop now worth just £2.7m…

West Ham United could be set to bolster their midfield ranks before the end of the window, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reliable source stated that the Hammers could well pursue a new defensive midfield recruit as deadline day approaches, having been left somewhat short in that department following the retirement of one-club hero, Mark Noble, as well as the departure of loan flop, Alex Kral.

Jones stated: “Midfield does look short for me for West Ham. So, I think that we might even end up seeing a defensive midfielder being looked at as well in the late stages.”

The east Londoners notably missed out on a deal for Belgian starlet Amadou Onana following the 20-year-old’s move to Everton earlier this summer, albeit while adding boyhood fan Flynn Downes to their ranks from Swansea City.

Replace Soucek

The addition of Downes – as well as the return of young Conor Coventry from his loan stint at MK Dons – has somewhat bolstered David Moyes’ ranks at the base of the midfield, albeit with the former Toffees boss still largely dependant on the first-choice pairing of skipper Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

That reliance has proven something of an issue in what’s been a frustrating start to the new season so far domestically, with the latter man, in particular, having been a hugely disappointing presence in the opening weeks of the campaign.

The most recent defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion saw the £67k-per-week come in for intense criticism, with broadcaster Tom Rennie labelling his display “awful”, while Football London reporter Jonty Colman – in his post-match player ratings – stated that the 6 foot 4 menace produced a ‘quiet’ performance having left Rice to do ‘much of the dirty work’.

Having by his own admission spurned a handful of key chances a week earlier in the loss to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, it has been a particularly dismal spell for the former Slavia Prague man and a far cry from his early impact in English football.

Having arrived on an initial loan deal back in January 2020, the £40.5m-rated colossus went on to score ten league goals in his first full campaign with the Irons during the 2020/21 season, proving himself an instant cult figure among the club’s support.

Last season, however, saw him register just six goals across all fronts despite the Hammers’ lengthy Europa League run, with that drop-off in form leading to reports that he could be moved on earlier this summer, amid suggestion of a potential contractual dispute.

The Czech Republic international appears unlikely to move on with just a week or so left in the window, although his regular role in the side is potentially under threat, particularly if Jones’ claim is to be believed.

While not naming names, Moyes has recently suggested that some members of his squad are “maybe not quite the same as they were even a year ago/a year and a half ago”, with the ongoing “big transition” this summer potentially set to see some notable casualties.

In truth, it would be no surprise if Soucek is one of those to be replaced, with the 27-year-old failing to replicate his previous stunning form.

An update has emerged regarding Sunderland’s efforts to keep Ross Stewart at the club beyond the end of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sunderland reporter Phil Smith has claimed that the Championship club appear confident that the 26-year-old will not be going anywhere this season.

The journalist has quoted Alex Neil as saying that the striker’s situation will be ironed out, as he currently has less than 12 months left on his contract.

Smith tweeted: #SAFC seem hopeful Ross Stewart will sign a new deal at the club. AN spoke to him recently, said he was ‘content & looking forward to the season’. Added: ‘I’m pretty sure that’ll get resolved’.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Sunderland supporters will be buzzing with this claim, as pinning the attacker down to an extended contract would be a major piece of business by the club.

As it stands, the Black Cats are running the risk of losing him for nothing next summer. His deal expires in 2023 and he will be free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club from January onwards, which would leave the current transfer window as the Wearsiders’ last chance to cash in on him.

However, it appears as though Sunderland fans do not have to worry about Stewart departing for nothing in a year’s time, as the club are hopeful of him committing his future to playing at the Stadium of Light.

This will leave supporters buzzing as it is a huge boost for Alex Neil this season, given what Stewart achieved in League One last term.

The 26-year-old caught the eye in 2021/22 as he scored 26 goals in 49 in League One. He was also a creator for his team-mates as he produced nine ‘big chances’ and racked up three assists in the third tier.

These statistics highlight the level of impact that he can have at the top end of the pitch, and he still has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop and showcase his skills in a red and white shirt.

He has the quality, and is in the right age bracket, to be a huge player for Sunderland in the here-and-now as well as for the long-term future, which is why fans will be delighted with Smith’s latest claim.

AND in other news, Speakman “interested” in Sunderland deal for “complete” £2.5m dynamo, forget about Broadhead…

Leeds United are closing in on another deal this summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk editor James Marshment, the Whites are on the verge of tying young striker Joe Gelhardt down to a new contract. He tweeted:

“As per @TEAMtalk sources, Leeds United are on verge of announcing new five-year deal for Joe Gelhardt, earning 20-year-old [a] 55% payrise. Talks also progressing at tying down Crysencio Summerville to a new deal.”

The Liverpool-born forward originally joined Leeds from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2020 and has quickly found himself as part of the senior setup at Thorp Arch.

Gelhardt made his Premier League debut back in October and scored his first goal in the English top-flight against Chelsea, just two months later.

Dream deal

This is something of a dream deal for everyone concerned – supporters, manager Jesse Marsch, the striker himself.

The 20-year-old is arguably a real star of the future, given that he has already made an impact in the first team in west Yorkshire. He has also been capped at international level, most recently earning a call-up to the England U21 squad.

It was Gelhardt who handed Marsch his first win of his Leeds reign, bagging a last-ditch goal against relegation rivals Norwich City.

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He then provided a late assist to clinch a point against Brighton and Hove Albion on the penultimate game of the 2021/22 campaign. In the end, he made ten appearances under the American, showing that he could play a big part in the future.

Known for his dribbling and power, Gelhardt has earned early career comparisons to that of Wayne Rooney, whilst Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp dubbed him a “human wrecking ball.”

On that evidence alone, it’s easy to see why the Yorkshire giants are keen on tying him down for the next five years but there’s another factor, his value has skyrocketed.

Aged just 17, Gelhardt’s value was worth just £675k, according to Transfermarkt, but that figure has multiplied by 789%, with CIES Football Observatory estimating his value to be around £6m.

“I’m sure we’ll find out in the years ahead, but Gelhardt may well be the best bit of business the club has done in the last 20 years, if not ever because he just looks absolutely outrageous – very, very good player,” claimed LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross.

Indeed, a fresh extension is a big step towards this claim coming to fruition, so director of football Victor Orta tying the forward down for the long-term future is certainly something of a dream move for Leeds right now.

AND in other news, “I know…”: Sky Sports reporter drops huge Leeds transfer update supporters will love…

West Bromwich Albion have seen three big names leave the Championship club in recent weeks during the current transfer window.

Sam Johnstone joined Crystal Palace in the Premier League, while Romaine Sawyers moved to Cardiff City, both on free transfers. Andy Carroll also waved goodbye to The Hawthorns after his recent loan spell with the Baggies, but he is yet to find a new club.

Before the transfer window ends, West Brom could have the chance to not only get another player out the door, but actually raise some funds from his sale at the same time.

After being recently linked with a move to Preston North End, Baggies attacker Callum Robinson could give his current club the chance to pick up a suitable cash injection should they be able to sell him this summer. In fact, Preston manager Ryan Lowe recently confirmed the Lilywhites’ interest in signing the Irishman, who has called Deepdale his home in the past.

He said: “I’m not interested in Callum Robinson because of what he’s done for the football club, I’m interested in Callum Robinson because he’s a good footballer, ultimately. What he has done for the football club previously will obviously extend that for them.

“Callum Robinson, if he becomes available, who wouldn’t look at Callum Robinson? He is a fantastic player and PNE fans love him, so why wouldn’t anyone be interested in him? If he became available, of course we’d be interested in him, like everyone else would be.”

Despite scoring seven goals and providing nine assists in 43 league appearances last season, the forward went through periods where he didn’t deliver any goal contributions for Albion.

The longest period started (rather ironically) at West Brom’s 2-0 defeat to Preston in January and ended when he scored the winning goal against Fulham in the Baggies’ 1-0 victory over the Cottagers in March, a run of nine matches without a goal or assist.

This highlights his inconsistency when it comes to being a goal threat for his team and explains why it may be beneficial for the Midlands club to get rid of him. Even his performances for his country have been described as “head-scratching” by Irish football pundit Eamon Dunphy.

With Steve Bruce aiming to get West Brom back in the Premier League, having a fairly unreliable attacker like Robinson in the team could well hinder the club’s chances of securing promotion.

Therefore, if the club can sell the £18k-per-week Irishman and get a decent transfer fee for him which could be used to bring in a suitable replacement, this could be a great next step for all parties.

AND in other news: West Brom can land their next Gallagher with swoop for “outstanding” £61k-p/w maestro

Rangers have recently been linked with a move for striker Cameron Archer and a loan swoop for the Englishman could prove to be a repeat of the deal which saw Ryan Kent move to Ibrox in 2018.

According to Birmingham Live, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are interested in bringing the 20-year-old north of the border after his impressive performances last season.

After excelling in Aston Villa’s academy sides, while also hitting Preston North End, where he notched seven goals in 20 appearances.

Archer has continued his fine form in the off-season, with four goals in four appearances for England U21s, so it is no surprise that he is a man in high demand ahead of next season.

Preston boss Ryan Lowe was full of praise for the youngster last season, saying:

“Cameron has got an abundance of talent. His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe both only just hit double figures domestically last season, so a striker as clinical as Archer could offer Van Bronckhorst something different in attack next term.

If he were to move to Ibrox on loan, it could be a similar move to the one which saw Kent join on loan from Liverpool four years ago.

The winger grabbed six goals and nine assists during his loan spell with the Gers, which was enough to convince them to pay £7m to the Merseyside outfit to make his move permanent the following summer.

He has since gone on to contribute a further 24 goals and 39 assists, with Transfermarkt now valuing him at £12.6m, which suggests that if he does leave Ibrox any time soon, Rangers will make a significant profit on him.

[freshpress-quiz id=“712674″]

If Rangers could negotiate a similar deal with Villa, that would see Archer join on loan, then perhaps they could also convince him to make a permanent switch in the future, should he also prove to be a huge success at Ibrox.

Given his obvious potential and goalscoring ability, it would be a mistake for Rangers to not at least push for a loan move for the £5.4m-rated forward.

And, in other news… Bye-bye McGregor: Rangers submit offer to sign 6 ft 3 monster, GvB will love him

Celtic had a rather successful 2021/22 Premiership season under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops won 29, drew six and lost just three of their 38 league matches, leaving them with 93 points on the board as they clinched the title with four points to spare on their nearest challengers.

One other impressive factor of Celtic’s campaign is that they scored more goals than any other team in the league, finding the net 92 times, 14 more than they managed in the 2020/21 season.

To further highlight how impressive Postecoglou’s side were, 18 different players got their names on the scoresheet.

Now that the season has ended with the Bhoys taking their place as Scotland’s top side, the focus will be on the summer transfer window and getting their squad ready for the 2022/23 season.

One man with whom the Hoops have been linked and who could make them an even deadlier team in attack is Antoine Semenyo.

A product of Bristol City’s youth academy, the 22-year-old has made 98 appearances for the club, highlighting the experience that he has at a relatively young age.

He was one of the Robins’ most important players in the 2021/22 campaign, racking up eight goals and 12 assists in 31 Championship appearances. To further highlight how much of a nuisance he is to opposition goalkeepers, the centre-forward had a higher average of shots per game (2.3) than any of his team-mates.

Labelled by journalist Saddick Adams on Twitter as a player who is “difficult to mark”, the striker reportedly has a rather significant price tag of £20m.

Having also been likened to Brazil forward Hulk in terms of his stylistic similarities, this would make him an even more exciting prospect for Celtic and Postecoglou to have in their ranks.

The 35-year-old has 357 goals and 195 assists to his name in 660 club appearances, so if the Hoops manager has the chance to secure his own version of the Brazilian in the shape of Semenyo this summer, then Celtic should absolutely get him signed.

In other news – Talks incoming: Celtic plot swoop for £4.05m-rated dynamo, he’s Ange’s next “warrior”

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Giorgi Mamardashvili to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca, who claim that Fabio Paratici has now joined the race to sign the Valencia goalkeeper, with Manchester United having already made contact with the LaLiga side regarding a deal for the 21-year-old.

The report goes on to state that, with Los Che needing to raise around €70m (£60m) from player sales in order to balance their books, Jose Bordalas’ side would be open to the sale of the Georgia international this summer – with the shot-stopper reported to have a €20m (£17m) release clause written into his contract at The Mestalla.

The next Jan Oblak

Considering the sheer amount of potential Mamardashvili undoubtedly possesses, it is easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the ‘keeper to north London this summer – especially for a figure of just £17m.

Indeed, the £4.5m-rated talent highly impressed over his 18 LaLiga appearances this season, keeping eight clean sheets and making an average of 3.1 saves per game – the joint fifth-most in the league.

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These returns saw the £13k-per-week shot-stopper who Xisco Munoz claimed can have “brutal growth” and Jacek Kulig dubbed Jan “Oblak-esque” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Bordalas’ fourth-best performer in the Spanish top flight.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 21-year-old also ranks in the top 8% of goalkeepers in Europe’s big five leagues for saves made per 90, as well as the top 4% for clean sheets, the top 23% for goals conceded, the top 9% for goal-kick distance, the top 24% for crosses stopped and the top 29% for defensive actions outside of the penalty area over the last 365 days.

As such, with the 35-year-old Hugo Lloris being no spring chicken, and Mamardashvili clearly being an exceptionally talented young goalkeeper, it would appear highly advisable for Paratici to do everything he can to land the Georgian ahead of Manchester United this summer.

Indeed, should the Valencia starlet continue his extraordinary rate of development following a £17m switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Italian sporting director could well have sealed a player who could go on to become the next Oblak – the Atletico Madrid number one who had a £70m asking price last year – for Spurs.

AND in other news: “Understood to be keen”: Gold drops big Spurs transfer claim that supporters will love